Osprey Sightings 2010

17/04 16:02  CHESHIRE : Osprey, Leasowe  [S]
flew north towards Seaforth (14:00)

Unknown said:

17/04 16:02  CHESHIRE : Osprey, Leasowe  [S]
flew north towards Seaforth (14:00)

Hi Alan.

I guess that we are seeing the very last of the adults returning to their nests. Most of the sightings from here on in will probably be youngsters aged 2 or 3, returning to the UK for the first time.

Sandy : I think you are right. The sightings have been easing off over the last 3 or 4 days. Still  some sightings of birds on migration on the French sites so I suppose these are first time returners.

17/04 16:37  WEST YORKSHIRE : Osprey, Fairburn Ings RSPB  [S]
one flew over (16:05)

17/04 17:39  LINCOLNSHIRE : Osprey, Gibraltar Point NNR  [S]
one flew through; also Crossbill

17/04 18:42  KENT : Osprey, New Hythe GPs  [S]
flew north over Castle Lake (16:50)

Dear members of this forum,

It has been a pleasure to have daily updates on the returning ospreys this spring and this forum has been very informative in tracking the incoming birds.

I do have a serious concern, however, about the level of detail that contributors are giving about the locations of returning birds that have settled away from well known public sites that are protected around the clock. More specifically I am appalled that members of this forum of osprey enthusiasts, who should understand the threats to the species, have posted the precise locations of newly formed pairs and potential nest sites.

I notice that someone has already had the sense to delete some of the most damaging detail of these postings from this site and I would encourage a moderator to have a close look to confirm that this has been done properly (it hasn't at the time of writing).

Can everyone posting on this forum please think carefully about how sensible it is to report settled birds at new sites or new pairs and nests. Whilst enthusiasm for these fantastic birds is understandable, there is a good reason why publicly known osprey nests are guarded 24hr a day and that there are laws prohibiting the disturbance to them.

Recent postings on this forum and other county sightings sites that show such a poor understanding of the threats to a recovering species should most certainly have been moderated and I would encourage the owners of this group to introduce such a policy immediately. Owners of county ornithological societies that have also reported the details reported here should also consider a more strict editorial policy.

With regards

Not a member

Hello "not a member"

I'll reply to your post, as it was me that started this thread. I would say that until very recently the sightings posted here, which are overwhelmingly from Birdguides, were simply of birds migrating through the country.

However I take your point, that perhaps we have reached a time when it would be better not to post further sightings, even if they exist elsewhere on the internet, and especially, to speculate what they might mean. 

As far as this thread is concerned, I'm guessing that your comment may have been triggered by a recent reference to one, perhaps two, specific sites. I have deleted my own post in that exchange and have asked the other people involved to do likewise.

Regards, Sue C

Unknown said:

NOT a member : I dont know if you are a "troll" or not but as you may be aware the internet is free for everyone to use. Even if this forum was moderated to that degree all the information posted is freely available on Birdguides or other Ornithological societies sites. It does not take a genius to work out certain possibilities from these sightings. If you want to take part in the discussion feel free but DO NOT hide behind anonymity.

Meanwhile:

17/04 22:44  CLEVELAND : Osprey, Seaton Carew  [S]
flew northwest (15:50)

Good morning Alan and I had deleted my post but then it crossed my mind that this information is available to all as you say.  I was a bit hasty I think, hadn't thought about it properly.  Anyway glad to see ospreys still being sighted although their migration must be nearly complete now.

Dear Alan,

On the substantive point, I disagree that *all* the information posted is freely available, For example, many county societies report incoming birds and first sightings but by arrangement with those protecting the birds, do not continue to report established birds or new pairs throughout the season. Birdguides does not report pairs and nests and there is no speculation about new nests. Although it doesn't take a genius to work out possibilities, it is irresponsible to explicitly suggest them.

If we want these birds to become widespread and and cease to be persecuted, enthusiasts have to show some responsiblility. Most readers here are probably aware of the loss of two well established birds in central England, potentially under suspicious circumstances. Reports with the precision of those that appear on this forum over the last week do not help to reduce the chance of further loss.

This is a serious matter that requires responsibility and common sense and your reply perhaps reveals more about your priorities than you may have intended. To dismiss my objection as the work of a naive with a poor understanding of new media is crass. As you say, the internet is free to use for all, including anonymous posters. There is no shame or rule about not wanting yourself to be identified, people have the choice to use the internet as and when they please. If anonymous postings were not valuable, the site owner would presumably not allow them.

The important point is that we enjoy these birds responsibly and take care to protect their future.

Not a member.